The 1996 Merlot offers a weedy, black cherry, oaky, toasty nose, an expansive, open-knit texture with no hard edges, well-integrated acidity and tannin, and ripe fruit. Although not a blockbuster, it is a graceful, elegant, ready to drink Merlot that should age nicely for 7-8 years. Tel. (707) 963-7075